It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
